MasterCard worldwide expands summer sponsorships beyond DSS with priceless offers during Ramadan and Eid in Dubai

In line with the findings of the MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities, which found Dubai to be the globe’s 9^th most visited city, MasterCard Worldwide has elevated its cooperation with The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment, an agency of Dubai Economic Department, by extending its sponsorship to include 3 of its main events this summer. Beyond its support of the region’s leading summer festival, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) for the twelfth consecutive year and ‘Eid in Dubai’ as last year, MasterCard will also support ‘Ramadan in Dubai’, the newly launched festivity during the holy month of Ramadan. 

This comes as travel, retail and hospitality industries, in the UAE, are recognized as playing a major role in strengthening the Emirate’s leading position as a major shopping and hospitality destination. 

The MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities report recently revealed that the number of expected visitors, in 2011, will surpass cities such as New York, Rome, Kuala Lumpur and Amsterdam. The index revealed that 7.9 million visitors are expected to visit the city in 2011 witnessing a 17.3% increase from the year before, while visitor spending is estimated to reach $7.8 billion, ahead of any other city in the entire Middle East and Africa regions. 

Laila Suhail, CEO Dubai Events & Promotions Establishment (DEPE), said: “We are delighted, to have the world’s leading payment card, MasterCard, as a main DSS sponsor for the 12th consecutive year as well as Ramadan and Eid in Dubai. DEPE always strives to build strategic partnerships with local and international entities that would be instrumental in achieving its goal of positioning Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure in the region. This multi-sponsorship agreement with MasterCard Worldwide is a significant step in that direction. 

“Dubai has established itself as a leading attraction not only for the region but also on the global scale as the recent the MasterCard Worldwide Index of Global Destination Cities revealed. This 2011 summer season is really exceptional with such an array of surprises and events that significantly contribute to positioning Dubai as a summer holiday destination.” Suhail added.

Paul Mampilli, vice president, Marketing and Communications, Middle East and Africa, MasterCard Worldwide, said:  “Dubai expects 7.9 million visitors in 2011 that can benefit from MasterCard cardholder offers in a series of priceless benefits and privileges for shopping, relaxing and entertainment this summer. MasterCard Worldwide has been expanding its association with Dubai over the years, including DSS, Eid in Dubai, and now Ramadan in Dubai which present a compelling platform to further collaborate with our customer financial institutions and merchants to deliver rewarding privileges to cardholders.  This year’s multi- sponsorship which includes DSS, Ramadan in Dubai and Eid in Dubai come as we launch a range of travel, retail, and hospitality incentives in line with our position at ‘The Heart of Commerce’.